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Nature in the City: More than Meets the Eye

by Biol. Oscar S. Aranda Mena | published: 2/23/2003

A Green Area Makes all the Difference
Let's not talk about all the abandoned lots and properties that exist along the wide stretch of the city; places where nature opens its own path for growth and where on many occasions, we can see even trees taking advantage of the benevolent conditions of our climate, only to be later cut down by the land owners. Let's not discuss how wildlife habitats are disappearing to make space for gigantic concrete buildings.

It seems that our government authorities have completely forgotten the important benefits that a green area provides us, not just physically, but also psychologically, without regards to the size of the area. With the building of concrete walls, and streets everywhere, humans are becoming more foreign to the nature of which we are a part, even to the point where we are frightened by an insect in our home. A garden, a park, or a green area in a city of concrete makes us feel more relaxed, and also serve as a psychological link with nature. Even a small number of trees or plants are enough to compensate for what may become a concrete and artificial environment.

More than Meets the Eye
Our government authorities seemed to have also forgotten that parks and green areas; in addition to being benefit to which we are all entitled, are also an important way to control the local temperature and humidity, thereby creating a more stable and comfortable climate. It's enough to drive by areas, which have not been urbanized such as, the neighboring Estero El Salado or the airport in order to prove that the temperature is lower by several degrees. And if you go to an area, which lacks any trees, such as the parking lot in front of the marine terminal, you will feel how the asphalt creates an unbearable heat. It's that simple: green areas greatly contribute to a more moderate climate, in addition to battling and breaking down the contaminants, which cities generate such as automobile exhaust.

A Healthier Environment
A green urban space improves the quality of the air, water and soil components, which all absorb air pollution, and by increasing areas where water is developed, and stabilizing the soil in order to prevent erosion. Urban forests serve as temperature stabilizers (by providing shade in the summer, and by shielding wind during the winter), in addition to reducing noise contamination as well as the levels of CO2 and also maintaining SOME habitat for our region's wild life.

While it's true that the green spaces in our city fail to posses nearly the integrity of flora and fauna found in authentic natural habitats; nonetheless their inclusion in the city does provide a valuable space. Such is the case of our Estero El Salado, and although it seems to have been "forgotten" by area residents, it continues to provide an important contaminant filter for the debris, which runs off from creeks, (including debris from the municipal landfill). It is also an important location for education and those seeking convenient access to nature, given that the wildlife there is truly native to our region.

What about the Insects?
Finally, we shall not forget that in each square meter of green area, whether abandoned lots, gardens, or street medians, there is a large variety of unimaginable wildlife, and that often provide food and shelter for animals of all sizes, which have made these small oases their homes. And thanks to these green areas, even in the city, we can still observe some animals that we are accustomed to seeing, that tourists are always astonished by such as: green and black iguanas, raccoons, possums, and an endless number of birds such as; the humming bird which always takes advantage of the flowers which we grow.

A local ecological organization has taken on the task of converting empty lots into parks; by planting trees and plants native to the region. And although I applaud their noble cause, it is everyone's duty to care for the few green areas that still remain in Puerto Vallarta; this means that we must be prepared to defend them on a daily basis. Meanwhile, we shall continue to look to the sky for a miracle that will open the eyes of our local authorities and discover the value of nature before it is too late.

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